INTRODUCTION
Cardiff University is an ambitious and innovative university located in Cardiff, Wales, UK. The 26 academic schools at the university are divided into three colleges: Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Biomedical and Life Sciences; and Physical Sciences and Engineering. The University houses 7,500 students from more than 100 countries.
THE CHALLENGE
Cardiff University recently increased its capacity for progressive and innovative teaching with the opening of a brand-new e-Learning and e-Assessment Facility (eLEAF). As eLEAF offers a relatively new teaching approach for Cardiff University, they wanted complete flexibility, as well as the ability to expand in the future. Pete Dunsire, Senior AV/IT Project Manager at Cardiff University had an idea of how eLEAF was going to operate, but wanted the system to be able to evolve based on feedback of both students and staff. An important additional requirement was ensuring the solution met the university’s environmental standards
THE SOLUTION
Since they have successfully worked together on several projects in the past, full-service AV integrator Reflex and Cardiff University teamed up to bring the eLEAF facility to life. The facility, consisting of 165 workstation computers and multifunctional zoning and sliding partition walls, accommodates a range of activities, from training and private study to small and large group teaching and practical classes integration to facilitate a better audio and video experience for the students outside the classroom, as well as a better in-room experience for faculty to control this new technology
THE TECHNOLOGY
Given the advantages of an AV-over-IP approach for this project, and the extensive – and positive – experience Cardiff University has with Crestron technology, integrator Reflex suggested a system based on Crestron DM NVX® AV-over-IP. DM NVX offers users significant benefits in flexibility and simplicity over a traditional dedicated AV matrix solution. And since DM NVX can be installed by using the university’s own structured cabling and data network, the installation was also greatly simplified, and the cost was kept to a minimum. DM NVX encoder/decoders formed the basis of the AV distribution. Crestron amplifiers and switchers were also used as part of the solution, along with Crestron touch screens and control processors to provide convenient control for the lecturer. Occupancy sensors are used to identify if the room is in use. For configuration, control and management of the AV network, Cardiff University implemented Crestron DM NVX Director™ virtual switching applicance. The solution manages large networks of DM NVX devices, routing AV signals, and simplifying integration with one or more Crestron control systems. The DM NVX Director provides the virtual equivalent of a hardware-based DM matrix switcher for easy central management. The DM NVX Director virtually emulates the functionality of a traditional hardware based DigitalMedia™ matrix switcher, routing high-quality 4K streaming AV signals throughout a room, building, or campus. It effectively eliminates the need for a physical switcher, providing the virtual equivalent running on the AV network.
RESULTS
The new facility represents a capital investment from Cardiff University and is indicative of its commitment to expanding opportunities for independent learning, progressive teaching, and cutting-edge research. The facility offers students and lecturers access to an interactive AV system, huddle working pods, multimedia communications, and imaging facilities, which increase opportunities for interactive teaching activities and enhance the overall student learning experience.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
